‘Brilliant’ Nienaber key to Bok success

Rassie Erasmus has praised former army buddy Jacques Nienaber for the role he’s played in reviving the Springbok brand over the past 18 months. JON CARDINELLI in Tokyo reports.

How Boks can turn the tables on Garces

The Springboks can’t go into their Rugby World Cup semi-final against Wales with one eye focused on referee Jerome Garces, but they have to adapt to his style of policing the breakdown and offsides line, writes JOHN GOLIATH.

Rassie laments Kolbe’s absence

Rassie Erasmus says it is disappointing to lose wing Cheslin Kolbe to injury for Sunday’s World Cup semi-final against Wales in Yokohama.

Rassie: Gatland an absolute legend

Rassie Erasmus on Wales coach Warren Gatland and how the 6-2 split on the bench will boost the Bok defence during Sunday’s semi-final.

Nkosi in, Kolbe out for Boks

Sbu Nkosi will replace the injured Cheslin Kolbe in the only change to the Springboks’ starting lineup for the semi-final against Wales on Sunday.

Jones: Ford’s work rate will be important

England coach Eddie Jones says he decided to bring George Ford back into their starting lineup to face the All Blacks due to the flyhalf’s work rate.

Tuilagi: Game of our lives

Centre Manu Tuilagi says England are relishing the challenge of facing ‘the best team in the world’ in Saturday’s World Cup semi-final in Yokohama.

Hansen: Barrett over Cane strategic

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen says the inclusion of utility forward Scott Barrett over regular openside flank Sam Cane is tactical and not based on form.

Throwback Thursday: De Beer’s five drop goals at ’99 RWC

Today marks the 20th anniversary of Springbok flyhalf Jannie de Beer’s supreme kicking performance against England in the quarter-finals of the 1999 World Cup.

Hansen laughs off Jones’ spying comments

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has dismissed close friend Eddie Jones’ claims that England’s training session was spied on as a ‘distraction’.